Haribo Recall Raises Food Safety Questions After Cannabis Contamination

Haribo is recalling certain batches of its fizzy cola bottles in the Netherlands after cannabis was discovered in some of the candy, CNN reported. The incident has sparked serious concerns about food safety and quality control in the global supply chain.

The recall was prompted after several people, including children, fell ill from eating one-kilo bags of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) confirmed that samples taken from the cola bottles were laced with cannabis. Dutch police are now investigating how the contamination occurred.

“The measure is precautionary,” Haribo stated through NVWA. “Only three bags have been found to be contaminated as of Thursday.” The company advised consumers not to eat the affected candy, specifically those with a best-before date of January 2026.

Haribo emphasized that the recall is limited to a specific product and batch in the Netherlands, with products in other countries unaffected. “We are working closely with the authorities to support their investigation and establish the facts around the contamination,” the company added.

Though cannabis-laced candies are often associated with illicit products, it’s rare for a contamination incident to involve a major commercial brand like Haribo. Somewhat similar incidents in recent years include the hospitalization of more than 60 Jamaican schoolchildren after consuming sweets laced with cannabis, Fox News reported. Also, according to CBS, seven Virginia elementary students fell ill from gummy bears contaminated with fentanyl residue. Both incidents happened in 2023.

This Haribo recall highlights the challenges of ensuring product safety in a complex and globalized supply chain. As the investigation continues, both Haribo and Dutch authorities are working to determine how the cannabis made its way into the fizzy cola bottles.

For consumers, the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety, even from trusted brands.

source https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/iconic-candy-company-haribo-faces-recall-after-cannabis-contamination